Glamorgan Free Press

• MR. WATKIN WILLIAMS. AT

DISTRICT COUNf lL ELECTION. TO TEE ELECTOHS OF THE TRALLWN WAHO. LADIES AND GE-NTLKMF.N. The period for which you elected me as One of your representatives on tun District Council will shortly cxiiie, and I Rga-in beer tu Solicit a reiii-vcsl cf your *nee DcDnK the four years I h¡lvP represented Jon I have Endeavoured, t,) the bent of my ability, to do what I considered best for tI,f' interest, of the Ward. I am alrut th" boa vie 5. t individual ratepayer in t,t' Ward, and this being so it is hardly uecessnry for me to point out that Gur interests are idi:ltic,1. You are doubtless aware that I have fought arid win continue to light against the unequal Assessments of Ilousf Property in general, which places Pur district at a disadvantage in having to pay more than our fair proportion of the rates. There is also another ar.d all-important feature in this elect.i -n, and one which eaCh and every Klecri«r shouid feel vitally concerned in, namely, the promotion (,f the Cardiff Railway Bill. views on. this matter are well known to you, and as the action ef each Elector will, in a Yf-Ty decided manner, bear upon thi6 question, I venture t,o) appeal to you to give me your votes. Yours faithfully, WA'KIN WILLIAMS.

PONTYPRIDD URBAN DISTRlOr COUNCIL. TO THE ELECTORS OF THE TOWN WAKD. LADIES AND GENTLEMEN. Three years a^o you elected me as one of your representatives upon the above 'Council, and that period having now expired, I am called upon to ask ycu mr a. renewal of your support. I have looked after th* best interests of the Ward. It is net my desire nor is is it my intention to er-ter into details of the work j have materially conduced to carry out, but I Will mention a few, namely. Graigwen Greets Improvements. Fetter Lighting of the Town, the Courts and outside Districts, the Sanitary •anpementf, aud last, but. not, the least, the Berw Recreation Ground, for the bringing of Which to a Kue.-osfiul issue, I take to mvsett the credit of carrying this before the Council. t have no hesitaiien in saying that the land in Question will be iN permanent pleasure ground for the use th* inhabitants of Pontypridd. I am strongly in favour of using Native Stone in preference to Imported Stone, where it would he to tiie inn-rests of the ratepayers. That I have ample iOiÖ at my disposal, and am pre- pared to spend it in the interests of the Rate- payers, is shown by my attendances at the Council Meetings' during the past three years, which are as follows :— Possible Council attendances 81, Attended 75, which nipi i,.s 1 have only missed nine fortnightly meetings in three years, besides the several Committers wiiich I have also attended most regulariy (see lucal papers) I am not asking for y c)i; i- f-ufhajjes ou political grounds, as I do m.t think politics have anything to do with the duties ot a il, t (Jounciiior, tlierefore 1 shall (if re-elected) iook alter all Ratepayerss' interests, and not -t.,iy section in particular. Thanking }Cll in anticipation, 1 be<? to remain, Your obedient servant, n. L. PHILLIPS. Colliers' Arms Hotel, Pontypridd, 14dl March, 1899. 4655 MR. JOSEPH BROOKS. I

The BBONBDA URBAN Dl,;iTillCr COUNCIL ELECTJOX. March 27th. 1899. TO THE ELECTOHS OF No. 8 WARD (Known aa Polth. Cymmer, and Hafod v Ward). T ADIES AND GKNTLF.MEN, J j I have been invited by a number of Electors—busineis and working men—to offer "Myself as a candidate for the honour of being One of vour three representatives upon the District Council, and I have, after due considera- tion, decided to allow myself to be nominated as a condidare, and avail myBelf of this Opportunity of soliciting your support and ■Ufcage. « I am well-known to the majority of Electors, resided in the Ward for a number o* years; and I venture to say that my large transactions gives me a qualification «>at is essential iu periorming a public duty. My being a heavy ratepayer teaches the t Of the strictest economy in the use of public j money. I may also state that I have always taken an active part in everything pertaining to the b-'nefifc of Porth and district, both charitable and social. My sympathies have always been with ttio working men and AS an employer of labour, I have acted on the principle of every man receiving sufficient to maintain himself and family in social comfort. I will not enumerate A long list of promisen but would, if elected, always be prepared to further Cm- interest of Kate pavers. I have ample time for the careful discharge of public, duties, and the making of a record attendance. In a community like ours, the highest form of self-interest is attained by studing the intere ts of others—my interests would be yours, and yours, mine. If you think me worthy of being one of your represeat.ifci ves, I shall esteem it a great honour, which I shall always endeavour to deserve. 'ITU;tlng to receive your support, I remain, ladies & gentlemen, Yours obediently, „ v.„ „ JOSEPH BROOKS. Cymmer Villa, Porth. 4651

BHONDDA URBAN DISTRICT COUNCIL. WARD NO. 8. TO THE ELECTORS. LADIES AND GENTLfeMEN. On March 27th, 1899, you will be TI«I BI11^11, 'dect representatives to serve on wwiv»niu»nf *J'rban District Council, and in tive and inCSrVT?* °f a.repres,enta- »nd tradesme^ i °f w1°/kmen Candidate for i^^hWard «TI2^f8t^SSnto5^U0, afforded the Electors of the lower portion of our Wards an opportunity »f elect.ug „ on the Council. The 10.600 inhabitants of Hafod, Britannia and Porth sure.y deserve absolute and direct representation. We have our to gU>ir(j and improvements to enhance, which, without our special knowledge of the nped. of the district ,are liable to be perversed. Being a heavy ratepayer m t.he Ward, your interests are identical with t!i >se of my own. I am an advanced Economist, and this portion of the Council's work will receive mv un- swerving attention; b-aring in mind ttwt economy does not consist in what we spend, but what we get for our money. Being born at Porth, and hawinir worker and spent my life in your midst, I am well known to you all, hence will not enter in' 0 details. I am ahout retiring from bu«in<»ss, and will have my whole time to place at your disposal sad the work of the Council. Daring the campaign I shall not attempt at any rhetoric display, hilt T tout that my small services for some years' Ktandinv, as treisurur to the Workman's Committer of the Hafod "1 Coedcae Collieries, will sp.ik Imidor than words. Thousands of pnmdt paused thr,tizli my hands during the recent unfortunate strike. If elected I promise to «<•«•« you faithfully, watch your interests, ,#,» ? ymir cause, advocate your claims, and do VI thut i sistent towards protecting in" mfi-ty of tit public. I beg to re.nn'n. Li(lif-s < iMn'lwn, Your (ib"dl. I.t 'Hi O HAS KEKS. Britannia Inn, Britannia, Porth. 4644 <

RHONDDA UIWAN DISTRICT COUNCIL ELECTION, 1899. TO THE ELECTORS OF WARD NO. 2. I ADIES AND GENTLEMEN, J Having been invited by a large section of the electors, on more than one occasion, to become A Candidate for a seat in the above Council, I now beg to place myself and services unreservedly at your disposal as a Candidate in the present Election. It is well known that I am one of the largest Ratepayers in the District, which is in itself an assurance that, if elect.ed. I will do my utmost to save unnecessary expenses, while at the same time I skiull not be backward in advocating and supporting all measures essentially progressive. Among questions affecting local interest, no the least are those of our Streets and Drains; and. in the event above-mentioned, I shall do all I possibly can towards their improvement and completion. velrl'V- re"?ded ,itl y°ur midst for over 30 representing, ,f?.a,lar?H ,Wiiy ot business, and all Lu6oir f,iBan ,clasr Ul the comtnunity. In to saV that i K8 I u"b0isti"Sly venture wanting) hL rf ('n.r,'v^ (and oot found which tends to Hi end the working man, sympathies jn tho°nif u entit,ed to my individ al and as ,as Private the Council, if so be j 'U8 lnterests on 1 rusting you will uot wit.loliH <■ support. ithhnid from me yeur I remain, La-iies Oentleman, lOUis most obediently DAVID MORGAV Rtiya! Stores. Treorky, Marcli 10th, 1899. 4659

TO THE ELECTORS OF THE RHONDDA WAR T A PIKS AND GENTLEMEN, JLj I ave »o a. ain thank you for Tf turning me uuop)>ojt«i as one id your representatives. W urti obe'hent v, /iRAMWELL. 4 ,y -tl: -n. .u.I a h, 46i3

PONTYPRIDD URBAN DISTRICT COUNCIL. TO THE ELECTORS OF THE GRAIG WARD. I BEG to express my most sincere thanks for returning me unopposed as your re- presentative on the District Council for the above ward. I can assure you that as far as lay in my power, my whole aim will be to in a measure merit the confidence placed in me. I remain, Yours sincerely, 46l>0 HOPKIN MOPGAN. Public Notices. HOUG -HTON"S Electro-Hydropathic Establishment, STUART HOUSE, EDWARDS TEHEACE, CARDIFF. SPECIALTY—RHEUMATISM, GOUT, — SCIATICA, and NERVOUS AFFECTIONS. Circular on application. 4541 UP-TO-DATE IN MEDICINE! When everything else has failed. STOP YOUR TOOTHACHE i MII IN siilfalBli TEN ES. T:r ,hc PEDUM. Drive away the gloomy WFR'-D! S>a7ingdinsa&melanch'"y DEPRESSION. Fill up all red corpuscles AnmmsO of the Blood -and give ■"JtJwIIllui vitality in The first dose gives immediate relief. A month's course will thoroughly set you up. IN BOXES 1/1, TREBLE SIZE 2/9 Of all Chemists or Free by post from the Proprietor, 4520 SANDERS, City Pharmacy, Cardiff.

"V Gwir yn erbyn y Byd.Kymrie Prarerh. "Ghe me, above all other liberties, the liberty to know, to utter, and to argue freely, according to conscience."—John Milton.

SATURDAY, MARCH 18, 18&9. LLANTWIT VARDRE SCHOOL BOARD. WE have again to criticise the doings of one of our small School Boards. The Report of the Llantwit Yardre School Board is not pleasant reading to the true educationalist. The debate reveals a pettifogging spirit, and a jealousy of the teacher which is very deplorable to read. Perhaps we may as well come to close quarters with the Rev. T. Richards —the Chairman of the Board. He refers to an article which appeared in this column some weeks back and accepts it as a truthful portrait of the Llantwit School Board. We are pleased to find that Little Peddlington" had a sting that went right home. We would remind the rev. gentleman that his sermons are equally open to the inference of direct individual application. And when they are taken as such, then, they reach the purpose of the delivety. He has also, with vulgar personality, dragged in the other occupation of the Editor. It is fortunate that we have in that direction to serve a higher type of intelligence than that at the command of the Chairman of the Llantwit School Board. We would like to ask the reverend gentlemen, if the action be is taking to weaken the authority at the School is for the best interest of educa- tion ? He ought to know that minis- terial authority is weakened by small mindedness among the members of our Free Churches. The Llan- twit Board ought to know that there are few Schools which have a better record of efficiency than the School taught by their head-master at Llantwit. We are quite certain, whatever Mr. Richards and the Vice-Chairman may say, that solid fact cannot be denied. There is no doubt that the bottom of all the present matter rests on the selection of Mr. Williams by the Parish to represen- tative honours. Mr Williams has been re- turned on the Guardians, the Llantwit Vardre District Council, and we believe the Parish Council. And by whom? Is it not by the same electorate which has given a representative duty to the Chairman on the School Board ? I suppose our reverend gentleman has heard the political maxim of "govern- ment of the people, for the people, and by the people." And yet, reading between the lines of all this uproar, one cannot help feeling that these favoured public commissions given Mr. Williams by the people is at the root of all the actions of the Chairman and Vice- Chairman. Mr. Williams has been granted leave by the Board, and if they did not grant the leave they would have shown rank disloyalty to their own masters-the people of Llantwit. Still they try to wriggle out by rnukin- In- n petty and u<uLgni!ied regulation* to ¡ defeat it. The Vice-Chairman said that the p<si'ion was untenable, ¡ at ttil, if the i-e^ple—the supiviue authority—will it. We wish this point,: diw tJii iioiiic. The icjii-, of c^iu&e, is not amenable to this kind of aigument. His appointment when once made means an absolute monarchy, but to democrats of the profession of the Chairman it ought to weigh, and weigh seriously. Mr. Williams has made the school an absolute success, and we venture the opinion that the Education Department would not com- mend the action of a Board which, by acts of petty demonstration of authority, damps the enthusiasm of a teacher who has such a remarkable series of reports. We trust, therefore, that, since the people wish Mr. Williams to serve them on a public body, and, furthermore, since there is no proof of the efficiency of the school being impaired thereby, that a better understanding will prevail.

tyustard and Cress. » TLis week we have decided to issue a supplement owing to the extraordinary pressure on our space due to the near approach of the elections. Every reader should, therefore, see that he gets, in addition to his "Free Press," a seven column supplement. We are unfortunately compelled to hold over several interesting letters dealing with the elections, together with othr reports. all of which will appear in "The Pontypridd and Rhondda Valleys Weekly Post of Wednesday, the 23rd inst. It is not always safe to talk in parables to the young, as the following School Board story shows. A correspondent from Treorky states that one of his pupils caused him some annoy- ance by uncouthness of speech, dirty boots, and so on, so, sa, s our correspondent, H I drew a verbal portrait for the class of the man who did not shine in the world of polite society. 4 You cannot fail to know him,' said I, 4 for he never cleans his boots, nor washes before meals. He speaks and drinks when his mouth is full, and generally uses his knife in place of his fork.' Gradually the lad whom this story was designed to prnfit showed an awakening interest, and put out his hand to speak. In reply to my query, NVell -I knew him,' said he, He's our lodger. The first number of Messrs. Cassell and Company's ,ew penny weekly journal, "The Gardener," will appear on March 24th, and will include a special department devoted to gardening in the West of England, to which valuable notes will be contributed by corres- pondents exclusively engaged. The promoters of the eisteddfod to be held at the New Town llall, Pontvpridd, on Easter Monday, are to be congratulated for providing at least one competition which will be of interest to the children attending our elementary schools. Two prises are offered for the best compositions (unaided) in the form of a letter describing the locality in wiiich the competitors reside. Parents should endeavour to interest their children in this competition as it will un- doubtedly pr ve beneficial in cultivating in them a taste and a liking for literary work. There will al«o be competitions open tochildien iu recitation and pianoforte playit g. On Saturday night a little girl who had just left the Fire Brigade Bazaar was knocked down by the leading horse (.f a Brewer's dray which was going at a fast rate near the Town Hall, Porth, and had it nl)t been for the presence of mind of Lieutenant Brooks would have been run over by the heavy dray which was loaded with empties. The little girl on being carried home was asked by her mother what had happenned, replied, The gentleman what give me them fishes to bring home when Dada and you was crying 'cos us didn't have any bread and butter pulled me from under the waggon." It appears Lieutenant Brooks gave several large boxes of fish to the Porth relief kitchen to be distributed amongst the poor during the recent strike. Thus the little girl's description of her rescuer. We have received the following marked "Genuine" -A Pontypridd tailor recently sent out a large number of invitations to his friends inviting them to a private smoking concert to be held at his house. The friends assembled in large numbers, but could not understand what occasioned the smoking concert, until the steel bar driver calmly explained that it was 14 the anniversary of the day his wife had left him, and he wished to celebrate the event." And they die An error crept into our report of the Rhondda District Council last week. In the election of the Clerk 6f the Works Mr Edwards' majority over Mr Jones was not 12 but 2. This indicates that the voting was keen, and that unquestion- ably Mr Jones is a coming man in the Rhondda. 44 You can see with half an eye" that FRANK THOMAS (44My Hatter,") sells the best 3/9 Hat. For Dancing and Dress Shoes of all description go to Davies, 44 Free Press Buildings, 23, Taff Street, Pontypridd. 4539 Tea, Tea, Tea.-Wky is T. Harris' Tea like the British Army ? Because it cannot be beaten Try it. 4540

The Duffryn Dowlais Farm Feud. ♦ Brecon Tom" at the Assizes. The Alleged Attempted Murder- A HEAVY SENTENCE. At the Glamorgan Assizes on Thursday, Thomas Morgan (44Brecon Tom") butcher, Pontypridd,lwas charged with attempted murder of Thomas Howells, Duffryn Dowlais farm, Llantwit, on the 11th October last. After hear- ing the evidence, which was practically the same as that given in the" Free Press" at the time, the jury found prisoner guilty of an assault, with intent to do grievous bodily harm. In pronouncing sentence the Judge said it was quite clear that prisoner was a very dangerous person, for a man who could not control his temper, as seemed to be prisoner's case, and, having lost it, behaved in the way prisoner had behaved, was a great danger to society. If it were only an ordinary violent temper prisoner had no excuse, but he (his Lordship) bed had in his mind the point as to whether prisoner was not one of those persons who were on the border line of insanity, and hardly wholly responsible for his actions. If there was any foundation for that doubt, and if he sentenced prisoner to a long period of detention, as he would have to, he knew every care would be taken to ascertain how far there was any foundation for that doubt and if there should be any, prisoner would be treated properly and leniently according to his real condition. Prisoner, who had been previously convicted of manslaughter, was sentenced to penal servitude for five years. ?

PONTYPRIDD GUARDIANS. Mr Godfrey L. Clark, J.P., presided over Wednesday's meeting of the Guardians, when the Clerk submitted his estimates of the expen- diture for the half-year ending October 3rd, 1899. The expenditure he estimated to be £ 22,045, less £ 195 received from the Local Government Board under the Agricultural Rating Act, and JS150 repayment of teachers' salaries from the County Council. To this he added lO,582 County rate. making a total expenditure of £ 32,282. The calls he proposed making were Efjlwygilan Parish, £ 1,500, as compared with £ 1,600 last half-year; Llanfabon, fnL*gain>.t £ 900 last half-year; Llantrisant, a"aInst £ 1.500; Llantwit Faerdre, £ 1,300 against £ 1,500; Llanwonno, £ 4,000 4 Pontypridd, £ 6,000 against it"? hY,S,trad-vfodw8' £ 15,500 against £ 15,500 last half-year. The probable balance m favour of the Board on the 3rd October, 1899, he estimated to be £ 5,206, sufficient to carry th-m on until the next rate was made. The estimate was accepted and passed. Mr Richard Morris complained that the com- mittees had not sufficient room to carry on their work, and he gave notice of motion "that the Llantwit and Llantrisant Rural District Council 4skedadle' from hern." (Litno-!iter). It whs decided to in bture hJd tl.e'lizard meetings everyAlternate Wednesday, abil to devote the other Wednesdays to committees.

The British and Foreign Bible Society- A puhljc meeting was held at Bethania, Llwyny. i. on Wednesday, the 8th inst., on behalf cf the British and Foreign Bible Society -vben the Rev. Dr. J. Cynddylan Jones, the representative of the society, delivered an address on the operations of the society.

THE ELECTIONS CAMPAIGN IN THE TRALLWN. EISrTI-ITJSIA.STIC MEETING. A GREAT EXPOSUREI SLASHING ATTACK UPON THE OPPOSITION. On Wednesday evening a crowded and en- ) enthusiastic public meeting was held at the ¡' Baptist Vestry. Coedpenmaen, in support of the candidature of Councillor Watkin Wil- wms. Mr David Davies, chainmaker, occu- pied the chair, and in his opening remarks sai i he had a few reasons for being present. He bad been asked why was it he had turned against Mr Tom TayTor. He had more than oie reason for that. The first was that at the las election Mr Taylor promised to him that he would not go against the Cardiff Railway Bill, and on that ground he supported him. In his address Mr Taylor said he was in fa- vou, of greater railway facilities, but since the last election he (the speaker) had found out that ACTIONS SPOKE LOUDER THAI, WORDS He did not doubt that Mr Taylor was in favour of greater railway facilities provided the Tail took them up. (Applause). He did not be- lieve that Mr Taylor had altered his opinio:, in the least. If the Bute applied again fo. powers Mr Taylor would be as much against it as last year. Another reason he had to: supporting Mr Williams was that MR WILLIAMS WAS THE BETTER MAN of the two. (Loud appause)l. He (the speak- er; had never yet tied himself to any party in municipal affairs, nor did he think it wise to do so. Tlierefore, they would see he went for the best man. irrespective of party, creed, or (Applause). Mr Thomas Lewis, checkweigher, said he had always found "Mr Williams to be a gentleman to the core. He did not mean to say he was will,out blemish, but he believed they could call him a gentleman in the truest sense of the term-. (Applause). They wdre going to put him in the scale that evening and weigh his merits and demerits as a District Councillor in the past. They all knew of his GENEROSITY ON a £ L OCCASIONS. The question arose: Had he faithfully merited th confidence reposed in him in ths past. He said he had, and that admirably too. (Ap- plause). He did not say that as a boast, nor with the object of lauding Mr Williams above hh colleagues, for they al1 knew that Iheir pie-sent members on the District Council were all honourable men. They had in MR lWATIN WILLIAMS A PROGRES- SIVE CHAMPION. of broad, Radical principles. (Applause). He could gay that without exaggeration. A change in the representation of the Ward was undesirable now, because they had in Mr Wil- liams a gentleman who was well qualified to fill the position of a District Councillor. N I; only that, but he had plenty of time nt his disposal, and they had always found him taking the keenest interest in the welfare of the ward. Mr Williams' past services had been all thai could be desired from a. public repc^sei-'at'.vp. He had no wish to say anything disrespectful of Mr Taylor, but they had a good menv-er at present, anI they had proved him to be so; lr.3 advice then was: "Hold fast to that which is good." (Applause). Mr Williams had proved himself worthy of their confidence again and tgain, and he considered it their bounden duty to give him their support. He hal verified their confidence in a most exem- plary manner. Were they going to ignore the services of a man who had SACRIFICED HIMSELF IN THE INTER- EST OF HIS WARD? He said "No;" Emphatically "Np." He hoped and expected to see the electors give Mr Williams their heartiest support, and he was certain when the poll was declared their present member would 'be re-instated. (Ap_ plause). Let them:- Rally round our member then, In the coming fight; He will gaurd our interests, men, And champion every right; Watkin has a dauntless heart, And power to speak RS well, And hold his own upon the pen For heroes he hath fell'd. The Chairman, referring to various improve- ments needed in the district, said the District Council met with the opposition of landlords, and that was the chief reason why things were delayed so much. Some gentlemen had been thinking about putting themselves up as can- didates in that ward. Well, they would have a warm time if they did, and would have some fine shots. Mr Williams had been accused of nc--1 supporting the proposal of putting a foot- bridge over the Berw, but they knew that to be an untruth. Who the originator of that statement was, he did not know, but it was cotiveyed to him. Mr Williams had fought that question as much as any representative, and he voted upon it—voted in favour of it. He fought for it to be made a carriagebridge, and when that failed he tried to make it a foot- bridge. (Applause). That. however, failed owing to landlordism again. Mr Watkin Williams, who was received with deafening applause, said he had obtained the minutes of the District Council to refute the calumny which his opponent had spread against him. That night's meeting was bound to cheer the heart of anycre. Elections came s t often that people got tired of them, but th present enthusiast^ /masting, and th." djheering remarks of the previous speakers, made him feel prepared to fight anything and aiybody. In facf, he extended an invitation "LET 'EM ALL COME." T!.ie District Council had been a progressive one: they were spending money at the rate of E50,000 to £ 60.000 per annum in the district. Of course, some people would say they were spending money too fretdv and no doubt they were in some things. But Pontypridd was an oil district, and their predecessors, the old Local Board, did not keep pace with the wants of the times, and they had now to suffer for it, and it was that old district which was taking an,, swallowing up the money. They would, however, soon derive the benefits Their sub- sidiary sewer was nearly complete, and they had now a subsidiary sewer which all agreed to be equal to any in the county. (Hear, hear), Their main carrier was one of the best schemes invented, and the subsidiary sewer, over which conmiftee he had the honour to preside, had been carried throughout the district most needed'. He referred to various street im- provements, which were about to be carried out, and added that they had the improvements to the canal bridges well in hand, and matters had been hurried forward to the present poinL by the Trallwn members. Nothing would speak better for this expenditure on sanitarv matters than the present death-rate, which wis lower than the death-rate throughout the coal district.and that was a good deal to say. (Applause).They should never be afraid to spend money when the health of the people was to be considered. They should economise as much as possible, but not at the expense of tl13 health of the people. (Hear, hear). He was one of the heaviest ratepayers on the Council, and he was not afraid of spending his, money, because they would be in a splendid position in the near future, and it was false cconomy to stay those sanitary improvements, Although a heavy ratepayer, he did not keep hold upon his purse strings; he v.-as willing co spend his money for the improvement of the district. They knew how he fought the other day on tho question of recreation grounds, when it was said he wanted to improve his pH perty. They eculd say what they liked. but he was strongly in favour of recreation grounds for the working people. He believed in having spaces made, which would be pleas- ing to the eye and which would attract the people from the streets. Such a thing was highly desirable, and he was NOT GOING TO LET THE COMMON SCHEME DROP. A question arose the other day about a little open space on the Berw road. He supported it. He did not care where the spaces were; he Wanted them everywhere After hearing the recent lecture of Dr Andrew Wilson upon the value of fresh air, he was more than ever convinced of the desirabiilty of having open spaces, and anything appertaining to the pro- gress and wefare of the inhabitants of the district. (Loud applause). Some people now got their money in Pontypridd and went to Radyr, Penarth, and such places to reside, so it was false econorry not to spend money on recreation grounds. If the Common were im- pioved it would prjva a glorious asset to the tewn, and would increase its value. (Hear, hear). They knew how lie had fought upon the assessment question, and there was no natter which affected the ratepayers more thar that. About four years ago the Council hal the power to appoint overseers, snd the latter raised the rateable value by increasing the assessements of the present property unduly This put the householders at a disadvantage, and fbenefitted the colliery proprietors and railway companies. The result was the assess- ment of the houses had afterwards to be re- duced. This proved that his contention then was correct. It was now a question of choos- ing between him and Mr Taylor. He (the speaker) had served them for four years, and was proud of the HONOUR OF "REPRESENTING TRALLWN. which was the premier ward, and in which there was more life than any other. (Hear, hear). He had qualifications for a District Councillor, which were equal to the man put against him, and it would not be egotism CD. his part to say he was more than equal to him. H. was as large, if not. a larger, ratepayer, than Mr Tom Taylor, and as far as practical experience was concerned, he was a tradesman first of all, and was a capable builder and con- tractor, and knew his business thoroughly well. So on that score he could beat Mr Tom Taylor a little. In holding his own in debate, although not an orator, he thought be could equal Mr Taylor. (Hear, hear). He gave him- self the credit that once he made up his mind on a subject he held to it like a bulldog. (Laughter). He already represented them,and if he was equal to Mr Taylor, there was no reason why they should throw him over.(Ap- plause). What was it Mr Taylor found fault with? He (Mr Taylor) did not say he was no< fit to represent them; he mid nothing as tc. his qualifications at any rate. Mr Taylor and he had been friends for years, and he sup- ported him at the last election; but the people o Trallwn rejected him; they knew him bet- ter than he did, and would not have him. 'Laughter). Why was it Mr Taylor wanted 1,.) oust him? He must have some reason. He kAr Taylor) had nothing to offer them; he did 1.C t promise that he would make a better mem- ber than himself in anyway. Mr Williams s then proceeded to deal with his opponent's r.dress. If Mr Tom Taylor had drawn it up lrnself it must have cost him a great deal of pains, because he knew Mr Taylor would have some difficulty in getting up that address un- aided. His opinion was that there was a hand behind. In his address Mr Taylor said: "I note my opponent (for want of a better sub- ject) attempts to resuscitate without qualifica- tion my alleged antagonism to greater railway facilities." He did not say what railway fa- cilities. only "railway facilities." "Anythng tending to the true and UNEQUIVOCAL development of the district." He wondered whether he knew the meaning of the word "unequivocal,' or was ft thrown in to throttle tlem altogether. (Laughter). He had put tha t in larger type than the rest to impress then with the idea that he was a mighty man. Jut in simple words it meant anything tending L' the True and certain development of the net." By that he was "having a go" at t'lo Cardiff Railway Bill, and telling them he had no faith in it, and that he was not going to support it until he had faith. A Voice: He is counting on the Taff Vale doing it. Mr Watkin Williams: Yes. Continuing to deal with the address, which stated that any- thing tending to the development of the dis- trict would have his (Mr Taylor's) support, "provided they afford sufficient and proper protection to the EXISTING EIGHTS of the ratepayers, the speaker queried what were the existing rights? WERE THEY THE RIGHTS OF THE TAFF h* was advocating? They had shewn their hand too plainly. They had given Mr Taylor aNway. He was thankful to the Taff Vale people tor that address. Mr Taylor had issued such an address last year, and Mr Edwards ane he had told him, "Alright, my boy, that will put the 'snuffer' on yon," and it did! His opponent said he had spent thousands cf pounds in the Ward. Well, so had he, and ntre than Mr Taylor. The address continued, "My opponent even opposed the erection of a i footbridge, which would prove v* great 8 been 11 more than one respect." This assertion the speaker characterised as a. downright lie. (Applause). He had the proofs in his possession to shew it was a lie, but he would let Mr Fred Edwards dtai with that. Mr Taylor was so hard up for a subject that be t i e-1 up anything, even an raunr.h. Mr Idwaids and he had had a quarrel with Mr ,,Nior last year about that question of rail- way facilities. They felt Mr Taylor was not straight with them, and they thought he was going with the Taff, but made them believe he would not use his influence against the Car- dili Railway Bill. So they put the question to im "If you get returned to the District Coun- cil will you refuse to make use of your posi- tion against the Cardiff Railway Bill?" He would not say yes or no, and they quarrelled with him. It was some time later when he came round and said no. But how had he kept his word? The electors should not con- sider Mr Tom Taylor or Watkin Williams al- together; thdy (should consider their own interest, which was certainly great, especially with regard to that railway. Had it not been for the opposition of Mr Tom Taylor and others there was no doubt they would have had the Cardiff Railway running through their dis- trict.It would mean the spending of thousands of pounds in the district, increased labour, and the several advantages that a railway brought. Mr Tom Taylor would be of some power in the hands of the Taff Vale Company to use his position against the Bute when tha time came to apply for powers. Mr Taylor had not their interest to serve, but his own interest by serving the Taff. He (the speaker) challenged anyone to point out that he had made use of his position on the Council in the wrong way, or in any way abused the trust they had put in him during the last four yeiars. (Applause). It wns important that they should pnt a man on th? Council, if they could get him, above suspicion in that direc- tion. They should net give themselves 3>way into the hands of men who only wanted to make use of their positions for their own end. It was a greater betrayal than that of Judas to ask them to assist him in defeating them- 1 selves. (Applause). The Chairman invited these present to sub- mi questions to the candidate, but for a long time none were forthcoming. This drew from the chairman the remark: think you are perfectly satisfied. I think there's only 0^3 man in the field: it's a walk over This meeting is the best election meet- ing I have ever seen in Pontypridd. Mr M. Julian now expressed his desire to ask the candidate a question as to the present position of affairs with regard to the bridge across the Berw. Mr Watkin Williams replied that as far as the bridge was concerned, it, was well in hand. The Council were going in for a Provisional Order to compel Mr Crawshay and Mr Bassett to give the land for the bridge. The Council had decided not to erect a footbridge, but a carriage bridge. He took upon himself tha credit of having done as much as any man to push that matter forward. (Hear, hear). Mr John jLewis, dlieckweigher, asked Mr Williams if he was in favour of erecting a bridge Trom Cilfvnydd to Ynysybwl across the river. Great interest was being taken there on the subject, and they were aware that that district was opening out very extensively. In reply Mr Williams said he had always supported the provision of means of access from that side to the other.. Up to the pre- sent, they had not been able to get Mountain Ash to contribute anything towards the scheme, and as it was the boundary line be- I tween the two Councils it was only fair that Mountain Ash should tpay their quota.. Ho had no doubt it would come about if only & little time was taken. (Applause). Mr John Lewis then submitted the following resolution to the meeting :That this meet- ing of electors of the T-rallwn Ward having heard Mr Watkin Williams' views, desires to express its unabated confidence in him as one of their representatives on the District Coun- cil, and pledges itself to use every legitimate means to return him to the Council with triumphant majority. Mr M. Julian seconded. After hearing the views of the candidate, they could not do, better than send him back again to the Coun- cil. Without reflecting upon Mr Tom Taylor, while he was on the Council he believed be- did his best for the interest of the Ward, but that Bute business versus Taff had certainly put a new phase upon things, and he did not think at the present time they would be doing a wise thing to exchange Mr Tom Taylor for M: Watkin Williams. After the Bute Bill became law and the railway was made, per- haps they would alter their minds. (Laughter) —As a ratepayer, and one who took an inter- est in public matters generally, he thought Mr Watkin Williams always had the courage of his convictions on the Council. He believed the members of the Tmllwn Ward were well able to hold their own on the Council against all the members of the other Wards. The Trallwn Ward, he claimed, was as well repre- sented, if not better, than any other Ward in the district, and he said again, without saying anything disparaging of the other members, who were good men, that their members were extra goed men. (Loud applause). The powers of a District Council were not so gt as some people imagined. Some people thought they bad only to pass a resolution and the thing was done, and they could wake up in t\e morning and find a new reservoir constructed. But there were other things, such as the opposition of Mr Crawshay in not giving the necessary land for the Berw bridge, which would never bring him in half the sum he had stipulated as the purchase price. It. wa- because of the high-handed proceednigs of ti. landlords that the Provisional Order had to Be sought. That was The only effective way to bring men of that sort to their senses, and they would now have to sell the land at valua- tion prices, and he hoped to soon see a splen- did bridge across the Berw. which he claimed to be one of the most needed improvement m the district. It would be of immense benefit to all person3 m Pontypridd alike. From Treforost to Cilfynydd they had only one bridge, but in Treforest they had three, two of which could be used. If it was necessary to put a bridge- within such a short distance o the Pwllgwaun bridge, then it was much n < rt necessary to have one at the Berw. Refe.rtg to the conversion of the Common, Mr Julia- said he believed they should spend some a ;'ou;t, of money upon it, not perhaps at the preccb- time, until they had recovered from the effects of the strike, but they would be doing a wise. thing in improving the Common because it was the property of the town. It was far better to improve their own property than to buy private land and then improve it at a con- siderable expense. (Laughter). The resolution on being put to the meeting was carried unanimously and with acclamation. The Chairman here stated that one of the opeakm announced to address the t.ing", (Continuti on Pag* 8).